Captain/training officer, Greensboro Fire Department
Captain/training officer, Greensboro Fire Department
NAME/AGE: Mike Carlson, 39 TITLE/OCCUPATION: Captain, training officer / public safety
EMPLOYER: Greensboro Fire Department
YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 20
SALARY RANGE: $50,000s to $60,000s
What does your job entail?"I'm responsible for in-service training, and I'm also in charge of training new recruits." The department has more than 450 firefighters and officers. "We train on new technology and equipment to make everyone's job more efficient and safer. I also supervise our EMT (emergency medical technician) program coordinator, a firefighter assigned to our training division." All firefighters are also trained to handle medical emergencies. "I also do a lot of online research and I attend seminars and schools, arrange for instructors and plan our training." Carlson also maintains training schedules and juggles firefighters' assignments so they can participate in training.
How did you become involved in this line of work?"I was going to Rockingham Community College. I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps as a police officer. Then my dad told me the Reidsville Fire Department was hiring. I was 19 and I put in an application and was hired. I started in May 1988 as a firefighter. I rose through the ranks and stayed until I became a training supervisor. Then I applied with the Greensboro Fire Department and joined it in October 1996 as a firefighter." In Greensboro, he's also worked as an assistant training officer, fire equipment operator and became captain in the Fire Training Section in September 2006.
What training or education is required?"To be a firefighter in our department you have to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license and be a North Carolina resident with no DWI convictions within the last three years. We prefer college experience or a degree, an EMT certificate and firefighter experience."
What does it take to do your job successfully?"You need to be very flexible." For example, during scheduled training, if a sizable fire occurs, firefighters stop training to respond. "You also have to be knowledgeable about training subjects. Also, the expertise and support of our experts who do the training helps me be successful. I have a lot of help."
What's most challenging about your job?"Juggling training for the line and the recruits, and planning and scheduling it. For example, when I pull someone to teach, I have to replace that person at the fire station."
What is most rewarding?"Seeing recruits graduate that we've trained, and knowing the mental and physical stress they go through." The training academy lasts for about 21 weeks, depending on the class size. "Also, when you see the ones you've trained get promoted it makes you feel really good that you had something to do with that."
Any advice for someone interested?"Research our profession to see if you think you'd fit. It's not for everybody. It's for the person who is adventurous and likes new things each day. And it's for people who like to help others. Also, this is a second family. We're like brothers and sisters." Because of the nature of their work, firefighters form strong bonds and teamwork is paramount. "You're with a crew and each person has a certain job to do. If not, you have your life on the line and someone could get killed. That's why teamwork and training is so important."
Editor's Note: Every other week in TriadCareers, our Job Talk feature focuses on a different job. We interview an individual in the Triad who has that job to help passive and active job seekers learn more about actual Triad-area careers. TriadCareers is always looking for Job Talk candidates. If you know a person who works in an occupation that would be of interest to job seekers, please contact Nicholas Brown at nbrown@news-record.com or 373-7144.
Captain Mike Carlson, training officer with the Greensboro Fire
